Laurie Styvers -

Laurie Styvers (Aug. 3, 1951 – Feb. 18, 1998) was an American singer/songwriter who recorded a 1970 album with the London-based folk-pop band Justine. As a solo artist, she released the 1971–73 Chrysalis/Warner albums Spilt Milk and The Colorado Kid.

Background

Laurie Styvers was born Laurette Stivers on August 3, 1951, in Houston, Texas. Her father, an Exxon engineer, moved the family to London in summer 1966 after posts in Germany and Switzerland. Styvers attended the American School in London, where she wrote songs, played piano, and performed at school events.

In late 1968, Styvers befriended members of the Hair cast at Shaftesbury Theatre. She answered a Melody Maker advertisement placed by guitarist-vocalists John McBurnie and Keith Trowsdale, who sought a female singer for their new group Justine. The trio sent a demo to the office of Bee Gees manager Robert Stigwood and secured a deal with Dot, which issued their 1969 single “Leave Me Be” (b/w “Clown”), produced by Hugh Murphy.

After the single, Justine added singers Bethlyn Bates and Valerie Cope. Talent scout Roger Watson saw the group at a Trafalgar Square performance and secured a publishing agreement and recording contract through MCA. Styvers co-wrote “See Saw” and took part in sessions at Olympic and Trident for the self-titled Justine album, issued through MCA subsidiary Uni after she left England to attend college in Colorado.

Styvers returned to London late in 1970 and briefly rejoined Justine as the group approached dissolution. Murphy presented her solo material to producer Shel Talmy, whose Hush Productions signed Styvers to a recording contract. Murphy produced her first solo sessions in spring 1971, with Tom Parker arranging the material that became Spilt Milk.

Discography: